Tag Archives: Volunteer motivation
Is There A More Powerful Verb Than Volunteer?
As National Volunteer Week comes to a close, I find myself wondering if there is any other verb packed with so much power and potential? As a development professional, give and ask come to mind. Yet, in some way, both depend upon volunteer. Volunteer. From the Latin voluntarius. Of one’s free will. Quite, often anonymous [...]
Part 3 of 3: Story Telling In Philanthropy
The third in a three-part series by Larry Warkoczeski Tools for Story Crafters One very effective tool to use in crafting a story is provided by Chip and Dan Heath in their book, Made to Stick. Based on extensive research, they have found that ideas or concepts stick where they fit six principles (SUCCESs). 1. [...]
Part 2 of 3: Story Telling In Philanthropy
The second in a three-part series by Larry Warkoczeski What is Story? One of the most succinct definitions of story is offered by the author, Robert McKee, who says “story is a living proof of an idea, the conversion of idea to action.” Storytelling is also defined by McKee as the “creative demonstration of truth.” [...]
Part 1 of 3: Story Telling In Philanthropy
First of a three-part series by Larry Warkoczeski As Peter crawled into the dark, dank cave, he breathed deeply. He felt like he was carrying a ton of bricks on his shoulders. In fact, he was anticipating another failure, finding no hidden treasures to help better define the past. He knew he was perceived as [...]
Move The Middle
It’s a concept familiar to those in sales, reminding them to focus on the middle of the client-base, where lies the most potential for future and increased business. It is also, I contend, a notion that translates well to not-for-profit organizations – both in governance and development. The first, and I suspect most obvious application, [...]
Happy National Volunteer Week!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many dedicated volunteers so generously giving of their time, talent, and treasure our the nation’s not-for-profit organizations. While I respectfully submit that it is impossible to place a value on this priceless gift of time, it is nonetheless interesting and impressive to try. Independent Sector [...]
Giving Thanks
This evening, and again tomorrow night, an organization I know and love will conduct its annual “Thank-a-Thon.” Volunteers and trustees will staff a phone bank, and contact as many of their donors as possible, just to say thanks. A short script will assist the callers in updating contributors on the charity’s progress, but no one [...]
Board Members are Made, Not Born
Why doesn’t your board raise money? Board members are typically committed and connected in some way to your nonprofit, or they would not have been nominated and appointed in the first place. Some already support you financially, or if not your organization specifically, they are known for their interest or generosity. Logic says, “Simple – [...]
Addressing a Passing Parade
Working with board members and development volunteers can be challenging in any nonprofit setting, but a structured, thoughtful approach to education can make a world of difference. How to make your volunteers more motivated and successful? – Start with recruitment. Be clear what you’re asking them to do. – Provide written expectations, activities and a [...]
What is a Volunteer Worth? (and how do we keep them happy?)
Board Development & Volunteerism The value of a volunteer’s work increased to an estimated $20.85 per hour in 2009, an increase from $20.25 in 2008, according to a new study by Independent Sector in Washington. The report by a coalition of charities and foundations broke down the average dollar value of volunteer hours by state. [...]
